TROWBRIDGE Town were forced to settle for runners up spot in the Hellenic League Division One after Shrivenham's 6-2 win at Adderbury Park on Saturday.

The Bees had finished their league campaign in top spot the previous week but knew a Shrivenham win on Saturday would see them lose their grasp on the title.

But in only their first season in the Hellenic League, manager Neil Kirkpatrick was full of praise for his young side and hopeful the team would stay together for another crack at the title next season.

He said: "There was a little bit of hope but to get second place is a great achievement anyway. We would have bitten your hands off at the start of the season if you had offered us it.

"I haven't been able to name the same squad once this season and have only been able to name the same starting 11 twice in a row once. That must be some sort of record.

"I am convinced that has played a part in us not winning the title this season as I have used 41 players this season."

Fears have grown during the season whether the uncertainty over the club finding a new ground to allow further progress would result in the break up of the side, but Kirkpatrick is now confident this will not happen.

He said: "I am optimistic that we will have a new site soon and I think the majority of players will stay for another season.

"The vultures from other local clubs are already looming but I don't see the advantage a player would get from leaving us to join a Western League Division one side.

"The team spirit here is fantastic and surely it is all about enjoying your football.

"They play in front of about 150 fans each week."